Contact Me:

Questions? Suggestions for a post? Corrections? Please contact me at kristimarion@gmail.com

Monday, January 17, 2011

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Winston-Salem Journal Photo by Lauren Carroll---1/17/2011---Redeemer Presbyterian Church member Neil Marion carries his son, Slate, 5, on his shoulders as they march in honor of Martin LutherKing, Jr. Monday, January 17, 2011. Neil also marched with his wife Kristi, right, and their daughter Ella, 7 (not pictured).

I wanted my children to understand the meaning of this holiday and not just shrug it off as a free day off from school or as a holiday for "other people". The day should hold great meaning for all of us who value our rights, social justice and peace. 
Winston-Salem MLK, Jr. Day March. Photo thanks to the awesome Lani Paul
Friday, at my son's preschool, above the water fountains were signs stating that the fountains were only for children with brown eyes. It was a small demonstration, but even the preschoolers felt the sting of injustice that was conveyed.


We attended the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day March here in Winston-Salem, NC, which was 300 strong. It was quite cold, but it warmed my heart that my children were able see the unity in diversity there today and commemorate the justice and peace for which Dr. King fought and gave his life.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. -- Martin Luther King, Jr. 
Labels: , , , , ,

5 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 17, 2011 at 3:39 PM

    That is wonderful! We talked a lot about MLKjr today. We discussed racism and prejudice in all forms. We compared the life of MLKjr and Nelson Mandela. Both working for equality, but handled things in a different way. Delved into what genocide is, the holocause, etc.

    All that is to say, that even today, MLK's vision is moving us toward understanding, peace and love for everyone.

    ReplyDelete
  2. kristiJanuary 17, 2011 at 6:14 PM

    D, I added a bit to the post. Your kids are so lucky to have you as a teacher (& MOM!)

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJanuary 18, 2011 at 10:53 AM

    awww! Your babies are blessed to have you, too!
    BTW - The quote at the end of your post is one of my new faves!

    That video had some powerful images, my friend. Thanks for posting it!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Joe SimmonsJanuary 18, 2011 at 9:07 PM

    Wonderful gesture. I think its great you are exposing your kids to such diversity and well being. Love everyone around you and note that our differences are Gods signature. Keep up the good work.

    ReplyDelete
  5. kristiJanuary 19, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    Thanks, Joe. I like that line of yours, "Love everyone around you and note that our differences are God's signature." I may use that one soon!

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)